Page 55 of Talk About… Secrets
Everything this man did was so easily dominant and sweet. Without having to think he added my name to his card. He integrated our lives without question and here I was doubting him.
His nose wrinkled for a second as he pressed the card in my hand. “Did you try a new perfume?”
“No,” I said, pulling my shirt out and giving a sniff. “Do I stink?”
He snorted. “No. I don’t think that’s possible, omega. It’s just your scent is a bit different. It has a slightly floral edge it doesn’t usually have.”
“Maybe bonding changed it,” I shrugged. Though, I knew damn well what changed.
The baby.
He shrugged it off and waved me out. “This is honestly perfect. I’m working on a surprise and it’s much easier when I’m not constantly checking into the bond to make sure you don’t walk in yet.”
“A surprise?” I perked up. He’d been sticking to the big meeting room in the back he’d turned into his workshop. I wasn’t sure what it could be with this much dirt, but I was excited either way.
“Patience,” he sang out, giving me a sound kiss and sending me on my way with a gentle ass slap.
Laughing, I slipped the card into my bag and hurried outside. Letting go of the stress and knowing the source of my hormones made it so much easier to breathe. I closed my eyes and let the afternoon sun warm me from head to toe while I waited.
Tires crunching on the drive had me opening my eyes to see Sidney driving Maverick’s big truck. She was grinning like a madwoman, I was almost scared to get in.
Of course, the moment I did she pounced, crushing me in a hug.
“I’m going to be an aunt!” she sang out. “And you, my friend, are glowing.”
“I think just accepting the fact they’re coming back, and trusting the pack is making me feel so much better,” I admitted.
“Good. Let them show you, Grace. You have a great pack and I just know those guys are moving mountains to get back to you,” she said with a confidence that bolstered my own. “Now, nesting store first.”
I absolutely adored the local store. Pack Paradise was busy so we slipped past the workers to explore while we waited for the others. My recent favorite decor vibe was sunset colors. Those gorgeous blends of pinks, oranges, and purples.
Snagging one of the shopping tablets in the front, I started ticking things off as I shopped. It made it so much easier, even though Sidney brought the truck.
For once, I didn’t hold myself back. Our new packhouse needed an omega touch and I was dying for new cozy things until I cleared out my storage unit. I was putting it off until we had more of the house finished.
Sidney talked about the babies and pack life while we shopped and I soaked it in, taking notes of things I loved about their dynamic. I was so out of touch that even when my guys were home I didn’t want things to get awkward.
By the time we reached the front counter, Avery, Ori, and Wren were walking in. I handed over the tablet to the girl, paying for the purchases with my alpha’s card.
Then I was being swept off to the baby store, the real star of tonight’s hangout. I don’t think it really sank in untilI was standing inside, taking in all the tiny clothes and sweet furniture.
I’m going to be a mom.
I let myself imagine what it will be like to hold a tiny baby. Thinking over the kinds of things I’d want.
It was hard with our house in shambles, but when my eyes landed on a single, small elephant, I couldn’t resist picking it up. It was so soft and had a soft, baby powder scent. I held it tight as tears burned in my eyes.
My girls didn’t say a word as they moved closer, giving me a group hug.
“Hormones are crazy,” I grumbled. “And I’m so out of my depth.”
“Every new mom is,” Wren chuckled. “It comes with the territory. The beauty of a pack and friends like us, is that you won’t be alone. Just like we did for all of us, we’ll have meals going for you, come in and clean and help where we can. Plus, you have an amazing pack that is going to spoil this little nugget rotten.”
“That they are,” I laughed, picturing the insanity to come. “I’m almost afraid to see how they handle it.”
“I say you get the elephant. Your first purchase for the baby. But come check these out first,” Avery grinned. She hooked her arm in mine and led me back to a whole section of over the top dad gear.
“Stop, what about hats?” Oriana laughed, picking up a faded ballcap that said ‘#1 Dad’ on it.
